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Large rusty brown and black duck with extensive white in wings.
Not listed
Endemic to Australia
Indigenous: Nyimarak, Nyinarak, Grunter, Chestnut-Breasted Shelduck, Chestnut-Coloured Shieldrake, Chestnut-Breasted Sheldrake, Chestnut-Coloured Sheldrake, Sheldrake, Chestnut Sheldrake
At a glance
FamilyDucks, Geese, and Waterfowl
SizeGiant
RarityCommon
HabitatWetlands, floodplains, lakes, estuaries, and slow-moving waterways.
Best timeMost reliable in Victoria from October to March.
Sounds
Sound sampleRecorded by Nick Talbot
Range map
Range map
4917visible hotspots
191997visible records
6states
SparseModerateDense hotspot
Aggregated occurance data is sourced from 14 different actively-updating datasets including eBird Australia, iNaturalist Australia, BirdLife Australia, and multiple state-based bird surveys through Atlas of Living Australia.
Species notes
Overview
Often found around coastal marshland and surrounding pasture, but also in drier areas in small groups around small farm dams. Usual range is southern Australia (both east and west), but occasional records from farther north.
Behavior
Female has white around eye and bill, while male has an all-black head.
Gallery